Radial truck for tramway and like vehicles.



PATENTED DEC. 19, 1905.

E. E. COOK.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 21, 1905.

RADIAL TRUCK FOR TRAMWAY AND LIKE VEHICLES.

x MGM w W EC UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RADIAL TRUCK FOR TRAIVIWAY AND LIKE VEHICLES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 19, 1905.

Application filed August 21, 1905. Serial No. 274,981-

l'o all whom, it may concern.-

Be it known that I, ELMER ELSWORTH Ooox, a citizen of the United Statesof America, residing at Loughborough, in the county of Leicester,England, have invented Improvements in Radial Trucks for Tramway andLike Vehicles, of which the following is a specification.

This invention has reference to improvements in that kind of truckcommonly called a radial truck for tramway and like vehicles, whereinthe axles are journaled in axleboxes that are so connected to the frameof the truckas, for example, by horizontal links inclined to thelongitudinal axis of the vehicle that when the vehicle enters or leavesa curved portion of the track radial movement of its axles will takeplace automatically under the control of the connecting means in orderto permit of the carrying-wheels of the vehicle automatically adaptingthemselves to the portions of the track over which the vehicle istraveling, and so promote easy running of the vehicle, and also whereinthe brake apparatus for the truck comprises brakeblocks that are sosupported and are so con nected to the brake-operating mechanism thatthe brake-blocks can move radially with the axles, so that thebrake-blocks can be effectually applied to the traveling wheels of thevehicles in all radial positions of the axles.

Now the present invention has reference to improvements in the mountingof the vehicle-truck upon and the connection thereof to the axle-boxesin which the radial axles are journaled and to improvements in theconstruction and arrangement of the brake apparatus of such trucks, theobject being to simplify the construction, cheapen the cost ofmanufacture, and reduce the cost of maintenance of such trucks. It alsohas reference to various novel features of construction and tocombinations and arrangements of parts, all as hereinafter moreparticularly described, and set forth in the claims. According theretoand for the purposes mentioned a radial truck of the kind referred to isconstructed, as will now be described with reference to the accompanyingillustrative drawings, where- 1n Figures 1 and 2 are respectively a sideelevation and a plan of a truck embodying the present improvements.

1n the construction illustrated the truck proper is in. itself wellknown and has long been in use and comprises two upper longitusingleaxlebox 20.

dinal side members 1, upon which the sill of the car-body rests, and twolower longitudinal side members 2, each of the lower side members 2being formed toward each end thereof with a yoke 3. The two lowerlongitudinal side members 2 are connected together near the centralportion of their length by two transversely-arranged members 5, whichcomprise beams of channel-section connected to the side members 2 byangle-irons 6 and spaced at a suitable distance apart. Secured to theupper and lower sides of the transversely-airanged members 5 and aboutmidway of their length are plates 7. In each of these plates and midwayof the transversely-arranged members 5 is formed a bearing 8 for averticallyarranged shaft 8, whose upper end is secured to theequalizing-bar 9 of the brake-gear.

Extending downward from each upper longitudinal side member 1 and towardeach end thereof are rods 10. These rods 10 are arranged one at eachside of each yoke 3 and extend through and below the lower longitudinalside member 2. The rods are surrounded at that portion of their lengthwhich is between the lower face of the upper side member 1 and the upperface of the lower side member 2 by coiled springs 11, that are seated inspring-holders 12 and 13, secured to the upper and lower faces of thelower and upper side members 2 and 1, respectively. The portions of therods 10 that extend below the lower side members 2 are surrounded bycoiled springs 14:, that are seated in spring-holders 15 and 16,.securedto the lower face of the lower side members and to the rods themselves,respectively. The lower ends of each pair of rods are connected togetherby a longitudinally-arranged bar 17. The ends of the upper side members1 that overhang the ends of the lower side members 2 are supported bylaminated plate springs 18, carried by the lower side members 2.

Each end of each axle 19 is mounted in a The yokes 3in the lower sidemembers 2 are so made that the distance between the adjacent edges ofthe vertical parts thereof will permit of sufficient radial movement ofthe axle-boxes 20 in a horizontal plane. Each axle-box 20 is provided onits side nearest the center of the vehicle with a lug or, as shown, witha pair of lugs or projections 21, to which one end of a link 22 ispivotally connected bya vertical pin 21. The other end of the link 22 ispivot-ally connected by a pin 22 to a lug 23 on the inner side of thelower side member 2. The disposition of the lugs or projections 21 oneach axle-box 20 is such that the link 22 is wholly below the lower sidemember 2. The links 22 are so arranged that they are at an angle to theaxle 19 and incline inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of thevehicle. The side of each axlebox 20 opposite the side to which the link22 is pivotally connected is provided with an extension or bracket 23",that extends longitudinally of the vehicle and under the lowerside'member 2. This extension or bracket 23 engages with the lower sidemember 2, and the two are formed with coacting surfaces, so that theframe of the truck is supported upon the four lateral extensions orbrackets 23 of the four axle-boxes. The coacting surfaces may be of anysuitable shape. For example, the lower side member 2 may have a partthat, as seen in cross-section, is of inverted-V formation, the part ofthe bracket 23 that coacts therewith being shaped to correspond. In theexample the two coacting parts in each set of such parts are formed assegments of a circle or ellipse the center of which is at the point24c.The links 22 may advantageously and as shown he each mounted to fitbetween the lugs 21 on the corresponding axle-box 20 and to bear againstthe under side of the corresponding lug 23 on the truck-frame, so thatthe several links 22 will assist in transmitting the weight of thetruck-frame and attached parts to the axle-boxes 20, and thus to thewheel-axles.

The electric motors (not shown) are each mounted, as usual, at one sideon the corresponding axle. The inner end of the motorframe is supportedby and connected to a transversely-arranged bar 25, that is mounted ateach end between coiled springs 26 27. Each bar 25 is connected at eachend by a link 28, that is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of thevehicle, to one of the transversely-arranged members 5. The links 28 aremounted at their outer ends on pins 29, that pass through the springs 26and 27 and. carry spring-holders 3O therefor. The inner ends of thelinks '28 are pivotally connected to brackets 31, secured to thetransversely-arranged members 5. In some cases springs 20 may beprovided to assist the parts to return to their normal position.

In brake apparatus for a radial truck according to this invention thebrake-blocks for each pair of traveling wheels are carried by supportsrigidly connected to the axle-boxes of the corresponding axle, so thatthey will share in the radial movement of such axleboxes, axle, andwheels and are arranged to be applied to and taken off the said wheelsthrough any suitable brake-actuating mechanism, which may be suspendedfrom the truck-frame and be arranged to be operated by anequalizing-lever under the control of the driver of the vehicle, asheretofore. In the example shown thepair of brake-blocks 33 for eachpair of traveling wheels 33 is suspended by a pair of links 34 from apair of brackets 35, fixed to a frame 32, that extends transversely ofthe vehicle and is fixed to the inner sides of thelongitudinally-extending brackets 23 of the corresponding pair ofaxleboxes 20. The brake-blocks 33 for each pair of wheels are alsoconnected together by means of a transverse bar 36, that is connected atits ends by links 37 to transversely-arranged levers 38 at points 38between their ends. The levers 38, of which there are four, areaccording to this invention pivoted at their outer ends tolongitudinally-arranged rods 39, of which there are two. These rods 39are suspended by links 40 from the transversely-arranged members 5 ofthe truckframe. The inner ends of each pair of levers 38 are, asheretofore, connected by links 4E0 to a bar 41, that is connected by achain 42 to the equalizing-bar 9. It will be seen that with thisarrangement the brake-gear is perfectly compensated.

It will be understood that when a vehicle provided with radially-movableaxles mounted as described enters a curve or turnout the ends of theaxles will be caused to travel in the arcs of circles, so as to allow ofthe axles and carrying-wheels automatically adjusting their positionsrelatively to the truck-frame to suit the track over which the vehicleis traveling. It will also be understood that the brake-blocks will movewith the axles and be always in a position to properly engage thewheels. It will also be understood that the mode of mounting thetruck-frame on and connecting it to the radially-movable axleboxeshereinbefore described may be used in connection with vehicles havingtrucks proper of a kind other than that hereinbefore described.

What I claim is-- 1. A radial truck comprising a frame, radially-movableaxles and axle-boxes carriedby said axles, said axle-boxes havinglateral extensions which are longitudinal to the truck and by and onwhich said frame is supported and is adapted to slide.

2. A radial truck comprising a frame, radially-movable axles, andaxle-boxes carried by said axles, said axle-boxes having lateralextensions which are longitudinal to the truck and by and on which saidframe is supported and is adapted to slide and the portions of saidframe and extensions that are in contact having interengaging partsadapted to guide their relative movements.

3. A radial truck comprising a frame, radially-movable axles, axle-boxescarried by said axles, and for each of said axle-boxes a link pivotallyconnected thereto at one side thereof, each of said axle-boxes having atthe other side thereof an extension which is longitudinal to the truckand by and on which said frame is supported and is adapted to slide.

4. A radial truck comprising a frame, radially-movable axles, axle-boxescarried by said axles, and for each of said axle-boxes a link pivotallyconnected thereto at one side thereof, each of said axle-boxes having atthe other side thereof an extension which is longitudinal to the truckand by and on which said frame is supported and is adapted to slide andthe portions of said frame and extension that are in contacthavinginterengaging parts adapted to guide their relative movements.

5. A radial truck comprising a frame, radially-movable axles, axle-boxescarried by said axles, and for each of said axle-boxes a link of whichone end is pivotallyconnected to the corresponding axle-box and avertical pin by means of which the other end of said link is pivoted tosaid frame, which rests on said link, each of said axle-boxes having atits side opposite to said link an extension which is longitudinal to thetruck and by and on which said frame is supported and is adapted toslide.

6. A radial truck comprising a frame, radiallymovable axles, axle-boxescarried by said axles, and for each of said axle-boxes a link of whichone end is pivotally connected to the corresponding axle-box and avertical pin by means of which the other end of said link is pivoted tosaid frame, which rests on said link, each of said axle-boxes having atits side opposite to said link an extension which is longitudinal to thetruck and by and on which said frame is supported and is adapted toslide and the portions of said frame and said extension havinginterengaging parts adapted to guide their relative movements.

7. A radial truck comprising a frame, radially-movable axles, axle-boxescarried by said axles, and for each of said axle-boxes a link pivotallyconnected thereto at the side thereof toward the center of the truck,each of said axle-boxes having at the other side thereof an extensionwhich is longitudinal to the truck and by and on which said frame issupported and is adapted to slide.

8. A radial truck comprising a frame, radially-movable axles, axle-boxescarried by said axles, and for each of said axle-boxes a link pivotallyconnected thereto at the side thereof toward the center of the truck andthe portions of said frame and extension that are in contacthavinginterengaging parts adapted to guide their relative movements.

9. A radial truck comprising a frame, radially-movable axles, axle-boxescarried by said axles, and for each of said axle-boxes a link of whichone end is pivotally connected thereto at the side thereof toward thecenter of the truck and which extends inwardly from the axle-box towardthe center of the truck and a vertical pin bymeans of which the otherend of said pin is pivoted to said frame, which rests on said link, eachof said axle-boxes having at its side opposite to said link an extensionwhich is longitudinal to the truck and by and on which said frame issupported and is adapted to slide.

10. A radial truck comprising a frame, radially-movable axles,axle-boxes carried by said axles, and for each of said axle-boxes a linkof which one end is pivotally connected thereto at the side thereoftoward the center of the truck and which extends inwardly from theaxle-box toward the center of the truck and a vertical pin by means ofwhich the other end of said pin is pivoted to said frame, which rests onsaid link, each of said axle-boxes having at its side opposite to saidlink an extension which is longitudinal to the truck and by and on whichsaid frame is supported and is adapted to slide and the portions of saidframe and said extension having interengaging parts adapted to guidetheir relative movements.

11. A radial truck com prising a frame, radially-movable axles, axle-boxbodies supported by said axles, brackets which are carried by saidaxle-box bodies and extend lon gitudinally of the truck and by and uponwhich said frame is supported and adapted to slide.

12. A radial truck comprising a frame, radially-movable axles,axle-boxes carried by said axles, and for each of said axle-boxes a linkpivotallyconnected thereto at one side thereof, each of said axle-boxeshaving at the other side thereof an extension which is longitudinal tothe truck and by and on which said frame is supported and is adapted toslide and the portions of said frame and extension that are in contacthaving interengaging parts adapted to guide their relative movements soas to cause them to be substantially circular.

13. A radial truck comprising a frame, radially-movable axles,axle-boxes carried by said axles, and for each of said axle-boxes a linkof which one end is pivotally connected thereto at the side thereoftoward the center of the truck and which extends inwardly from theaxle-box toward the center of the truck and a vertical .pin by means ofwhich the other end of said link is pivoted to said frame, which restson said link.

14.. A radial truck comprising a frame, radially-movable axles,axle-boxes carried by said axles, and for each of said axle-boxes a linkof which one end is pivotally connected to the corresponding axle-boxand a vertical pin by means of which the other end of said link ispivoted to said frame, which rests on said link.

15. A radial truck comprising a frame, radially-movable axles,axle-boxes supported by. said axles, and for each pair of travelingwheels a pair of brake-blocks, and a carrier for said brake-blocks whichis secured to the &

corresponding pair of axle-boxes so as to accompany the correspondingaxle in its radial movement.

16. A radial truck comprising a frame, radially-movable axles,axle-boxes supported by said axles, and for each pair of travelingWheels a pair of brake-blocks, a carrier for said brake-blocks which issecured to the corresponding pair of axle-boxes so as to accompany thecorresponding axle in its radial movement, an equalizing-brake-operatinglever, transverse levers the inner ends of which are connected to saidequalizing-lever, links connecting said transverse levers with saidbrakeblocks, and independent longitudinally-arranged rods jointed to theouter ends of said transverse levers and suspended from said frame.

Signed at Birmingham, England, this 20th day of July, 1905.

' ELMER ELSWORTH COOK.

l/Vitnesses:

HENRY TUCKER, ELLEN BEATRICE SMITH.

